Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the National Cancer Act

On December 23, 1971, President Nixon signed the National Cancer Act into law. This landmark legislation set a critical course, bringing together patients, doctors and researchers to launch a coordinated effort to address a disease that affects all of us. The Act elevated the role of the National Cancer Institute and established its NCI-designated Cancer Centers Program. Today, there are 71 NCI-designated cancer centers in the U.S., and The University of Kansas Cancer Center is one of them. The Cancer Centers program is one of the anchors of the nation’s cancer research effort, a major driver behind advances in research and patient care

Throughout the year, the NCI and its designated cancer centers, including KU Cancer Center, will share stories of the National Cancer Act’s impact on cancer – what has been accomplished, where we are going and the challenges that still remain. We have also partnered with The Cancer Letter, an independent weekly news publication that has been the leading source for cancer-related information since 1973. Marking the 50th anniversary of the National Cancer Act, The Cancer Letter launched The Cancer History Project, a web-based, collaborative resource. The Cancer History Project provides the opportunity to build an enduring historical library that tells the tales of our collective pursuit to conquer all cancers.

“We are honored to participate in The Cancer History Project,” said Roy Jensen, MD, KU Cancer Center director. “Our institution has a fascinating history of creating leading-edge treatments and making breakthrough discoveries. We look forward to sharing those stories through The Cancer History Project.”